Thursday, December 12, 2013

Local businesses in the giving spirit support DC SCORES in myriad ways

Written by Daniel MeloySenior Director of Development & Communications

This is a time of year when small businesses focus on those all-important holiday sales. It’s a busy season!

But it’s also a time when many local businesses share the spirit of giving and help our community - and that includes several in our area that are helping DC SCORES in a variety of ways.

Chix DC uses the tagline “eat responsibly,” and that certainly extends to its responsibility to the community. Chix DC has designated December 16-22 “DC SCORES Week” at its two locations (1121 14th Street, NW, just south of Thomas Circle and 2019 11th Street, NW, 11th and U Streets). Chix DC will donate 1% of ALL sales that week to DC SCORES. Plus, Chix DC will host a happy hour at its 14th Street location on Wednesday, December 18 from 5:30 to 7:00pm, with 10% of happy hour sales going to DC SCORES.

"Eat Responsibly is the Chix motto: it’s about responsible eating and living, and doing business the right way, which includes supporting our community and valuable organizations like DC SCORES," said Victoria Garcia-Umana, Chix Managing Partner. "We believe in promoting an active lifestyle among our youth, and that is one of many shared values between our business and DC SCORES."

Three years ago Aquilano Salon owner John Michael Pascazio, knowing that his customers were just as generous as he is, decided to use the holiday season to benefit others. He and his staff chose a charity for their clients to support and get discounts on services to thank them for their generosity.

The effort was successful, has continued, and DC SCORES is this year’s charity. Aquilano Salon, in Old Town Alexandria (712 N. Washington Street), is collecting supplies for our writing program. When customers bring in things like writing journals, pencils, pens, markers, or pencil sharpeners this month, they will receive $5 off their next service.

It’s a win-win program, especially for the 1,500 DC SCORES students!

When Liz Gartzke, event coordinator for City Tap House, began looking for community-based organizations for the newly opened DC restaurant (901 I Street, NW) to support, DC SCORES was high on her list. Once she met with the staff and heard about our program, she was hooked! And one of the first events that City Tap House will host is an event for the DC SCORES coaches -- those hard-working people who are at the heart of DC SCORES programming.

Thanks to these and other local small businesses, DC SCORES’ students throughout the city will continue to play soccer, write creatively, and volunteer in their communities through DC SCORES!